Charlotte.com

November 16, 2009

Goodell to evaluate Bud Adams' crude gestures

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, in Charlotte today for meetings with Panthers' owner Jerry Richarson and a speaking engagement tonight at Davidson College, said he'll need to review film of Tennessee owner Bud Adams' crude hand gestures late in Sunday's home win over Buffalo.

Adams apologized for the incident today and indicated he was aiming the gestures toward the Bills' sideline.

Goodell was at the Titans-Bills game and watched much of it with Adams in the owners' suite. However, the league told The Associated Press he left the suite after the third period to watch the remainder of the game with fans.

According to the video and eye witnesses, Adams held up his middle finger on both hands and flashed them, both while in his suite and later while standing on the field as the Titans closed out a 41-17 win.

It was the third consecutive win for Tennessee after an 0-6 start.

Goodell indicated he would not take the issue lightly.

"I've said before we're held to a higher standard in the NFL," he said. " That includes yours truly. It includes our owners. It includes front office people. It includes the players.

"Those are things we'll continue to emphasize. And if people violate them, we'll deal with it."

In a statement released by the Titans, Adams said he would accept any disciplinary actions taken by the league.

"I need to apologize for my actions yesterday near the end of the game," Adams said in the statement. "I got caught up in the excitement of a great day, but I do realize that those types of things shouldn't happen. I need to specifically apologize to the Bills, their fans, our fans and the NFL. I obviously have a great deal of respect for (Bills founder, owner and president) Ralph Wilson and the history we have shared.

"I also understand there will probably be league discipline for my actions and I will accept those."

-- Charles Chandler

Posted by Observer Sports on November 16, 2009 at 01:25 PM | Permalink

Comments

Rock on, dude!! LOL It's like something you would see in a wacky movie. The world has officially gone crazy!